Being one of the most crowded megapolises in the world, Hong Kong is not your typical kitesurfing or windsurfing getaway. However, the island surrounded by the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta, gets plenty of wind and warm weather, which makes it ideal for wind and water sports. There are two windy periods in Hong Kong: east or the north-east wind blows from September to March, while the south-west wind blows from March to August. Wind strength is from 8 to 20 knots. Spring and autumn have the most intense winds. The water warms up to 26-30°C (79-86°F) in the summer and cools down to 15-26°C (59-79°F) in the winter.
Hong Kong has a few areas with amenities for kitesurfers. Lung Kwu Tan, located in the western part of the Tuen Mun District, features a kitesurfing school from March to August located in its south-west part. There is shallow and flat water and side to side/onshore wind. Lantau Island, the largest island of Hong Kong, is another kitesurfing destination. Shui Hau Wan Beach has a school, rentals, and a huge lagoon to learn kiteboarding with shallow and flat water. There is also a large beach. The wind is the best here from September to March. Shui Hau Wan Beach is good for beginner kiteboarders.
Windsurfing is popular in Hong Kong since the 1970s. There are many schools and clubs in the city established at that time. Stanley Beach, on the southern side of the Hong Kong island, is the most famous windsurfing destination enjoying stable on-shore east or north-east wind. The season lasts from September to April. There are three windsurfing clubs on the beach offering rentals, storage, and lessons. One more nearby location is Shek O Beach.
Cheung Chau, located 10 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong, is another popular windsurfing spot. The island nicknamed "dumbbell" due to its shape features a windsurfing school set up by Lai Gun called "the godfather of windsurfing" in Hong Kong.
Practical info
When is the best time to go kitesurfing or windsurfing in Hong Kong?
The northeast winds of September to March and the southwest winds of March to August are the best times for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Hong Kong. The strongest winds occur in the spring and autumn, where wind speeds range from 8 to 20 knots. Visitors can expect water temperatures of 26-30°C (79-86°F) in the summer and 15-26°C (59-79°F) in the winter. Show more
Where are the best locations for kitesurfing in Hong Kong?
Lung Kwu Tan in the Tuen Mun District and Shui Hau Wan Beach on Lantau Island are among the great locations for kitesurfing in Hong Kong. Lung Kwu Tan features flat, shallow waters with side to side/onshore winds, while Shui Hau Wan Beach has kitesurfing schools that offer rentals and lessons. Cheung Chau, located southwest of Hong Kong, also attracts kitesurfers with a windsurfing school established by Lai Gun. Show more
Where are the most popular windsurfing spots near Hong Kong?
Stanley Beach situated in southern Hong Kong island draws windsurfers as it receives stable on-shore winds from the north-east or east and is ideal for windsurfing. Three windsurfing clubs offer services such as rentals, lessons, and storage facilities. Another popular windsurfing location is Shek O Beach. Cheung Chau, the 'dumbbell' shaped island, is also renowned for its windsurfing school that is highly regarded by both locals and tourists. Show more
What is the temperature of the water in Hong Kong for water sports?
Water temperatures in Hong Kong range from 26-30°C (79-86°F) in the summer and 15-26°C (59-79°F) in the winter, making wetsuits necessary during the winter months. Visitors should keep in mind that typhoons can occur in Hong Kong between July and September, which can disrupt water temperature and conditions. Show more
Are there any famous kitesurfers or windsurfers that have come from Hong Kong?
Kenneth Kwok, a Hong Kong native, is one of the famous kitesurfers and windsurfers from the region. He has won various international windsurfing contests and is an inspiration for aspiring athletes in China. Lai Gun, known as the 'godfather of windsurfing' in Hong Kong, has also set up his windsurfing school in Cheung Chau, attracting kitesurfers and windsurfers from different parts of the world. Show more
